I wish to inform the Deputy that the Legal Aid Board is the statutory independent body responsible for the civil legal aid scheme in Ireland. The Board provides legal aid and advice in civil law matters, including asylum matters. Exchequer funding for the scheme is provided by way of a grant in aid to the Board. The funding provided to the Board for the relevant years is set out. The Deputy should note that the 2012 allocation includes funding in respect of the Family Mediation Service, for which the Board assumed responsibility in late 2011.
2012
(€ million)
|
2011
(€ million)
|
2010
(€ million)
|
2009
(€ million)
|
2008
(€ million)
|
32.922
|
30.370
|
32.192
|
34.640
|
35.885
|